NEWS
Crude Oil Theft: Why Peter Obi’s Allegations Against Nigerian Govt may be True
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
The deafening noise about crude oil theft in Nigeria has gotten to a level where no right-thinking person can continue paying a deaf ear to it.
With individual households carving in under prevalent economic pressure, which is biting hard with stagflation, there’s little doubt that the man on the street is being compelled to ponder what has become of the national wealth.
While those in authority have been quick to point accusing fingers at hoodlums, particularly the natives of the Niger-Delta region, those who know maintain that hydrocarbons are of such nature that they cannot be sneaked out of any part of the world without the authority being culpable.
This much the presidential flagbearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi averred recently.
He also brought it to national consciousness that those behind crude oil theft, having been startled by his posturing that truth must be told are now masterminding his being taken out of circulation.
The elite class would rather that their well-thought-out, and overly played-out narrative, of pointing accusing fingers at criminal elements, especially in the Niger Delta continues to circulate.
But Nigerians appear to have had enough of that and have started going out of their way to share information with the public that buttresses why Mr Obi’s allegations might be true.
In a recent trending video making the rounds on social media, an anonymous vlogger went aboard what he described as “an anonymous vessel” which he categorically averred was capable of loading and lifting up to one million barrels of crude oil.
The male voice in the video described the vessel, as a Very Large Cargo Career (VLCC).
Read Also >> Trending Video: Obasanjo Hands Over His Seat To Obi, Says ‘My Job Is Done’
The man who made or voiced the video appears very familiar with the operations of the oil industry and the security architecture in the sector.
Drawing from inside knowledge, he pinpointed universal vessel tracking standards, which the Navy of sovereign nations deploy to keep all vessels that sail into their territorial waters, for whatever purpose, under the radar.
The trackers, the voice said, aid the Navy in clearly identifying and monitoring vessels up to 1,000 nautical miles from the seaport.
The video showed a piece of equipment, that looked like a clock which he asserted was capable of helping the Nigerian Navy fish out each and every ship sailing into Nigeria’s territorial waters, and have it under the radar, each second of the day.
According to the voice, the Global Positioning System (GPS), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and, Long Range Identification Tracker (LRIT) were all at the disposal of the Nigerian Navy, which reinforces claims in an earlier interview by Obi, that the government officials were behind crude oil theft in Nigeria.
The 2’51” video showed vivid images of a vessel fortified with all the equipment the voice was referring to, to buttress that Obi was right that those, who have been raping the Nigerian economy by lending official channels for crude oil theft were capable of going after the presidential hopeful.
Beaming his camera on the VLCC, he said, “Now, there is no how that a vessel of this magnitude; ship of this size will sail into Nigeria’s territorial waters, load crude oil and sail out undetected, unnoticed.
“And they (the authorities) will be telling the world that nobody knows when the ships sail in, load Nigeria’s crude oil and sail out,” he retorted.
He emphasised that “the moment any ship enters Nigeria’s territorial waters, both the Navy and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) have good enough resources (human and equipment) to notice and bring it under the radar, even before it gets into any form of activities.
“And the authorities would be addressing the people as if they cannot reason anything out.”
It does appear that the increasing outcry has gotten to the authorities, though, as relevant agencies of government have begun responding to the issue.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), on Wednesday went public with a vow to clear the air on the narrative, by getting to the root of the matter, with a probe.
Chief Executive, NUPRC, Gbenga Komolafe, who personally signed the statement to drive home the importance, vowed that the Commission would investigate the operational and commercial activities of companies licensed to explore and produce crude in Nigeria.
He said, “One of the steps, in line with its (NUPRC) technical and regulatory powers, is to probe into the operational and commercial activities of exploration and production companies operating within the country.
”Komolafe added that the NUPRC would busy itself with determining the level of compliance or otherwise of the oil majors with the terms of their licences.
According to the CE, the main purpose of the probe would be “to ascertain the level of compliance with the terms and conditions in their (oil firms’) operational contracts, as well as the challenges impeding expected deliveries.
“The commission will particularly be interested in the mode of operation of the companies in relation to the approvals as per their operational licences, the level of conformity with the technical provisions and production terms, their level of investments to enhance capacity utilisation, and the challenges they are facing, especially those contributing to the current unacceptable situation.
“Beginning from Wednesday, September 28, the commission will be engaging all the exploration and production companies individually to get to the root of the current situation as it believes strongly that there might be more fundamental issues in the industry affecting expected output and deliveries beyond the much-touted issue of crude theft.
”Biztellers gathered that to demonstrate its seriousness over the matter, the NUPRC had already sent invitations to the identified oil majors to appear before it.
Other voices who have been speaking against crude oil, include elder statesman, Pa Edwin Clark.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
